Interdisciplinary Perceptions of the Social Work Role in Hospice: Building Upon the Classic Kulys and Davis Study

Abstract

This national survey found that hospice directors (n = 43) considered social workers most qualified, and most involved, in 12 of 24 interventions considered by social workers to define their role. This is a change from Kulys and Davis’ (1986, 1987) findings of a more limited social work role in hospice. The results of the current study provide new information about director attitudes, social work involvement, and the impact of efforts to develop the hospice social work field. Social work education should incorporate more end-of-life care content to continue this progress, and hospice social workers should continue to document their effectiveness on the hospice team.

KEYWORDS:

• administration
• counseling
• hospice
• interdisciplinary team
• social work role

Notes

Note. *Interventions included in the 1986 Kulys and Davis study. Valid of respondents indicating that discipline is most qualified to conduct each activity; most qualified predicts spending most time for all items (Significance = .000).